The members of Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has been assured by President Bola Tinubu that his administration would carefully consider their request for a review of policies affecting the paper industry, acknowledging concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint.
He said that his administration will always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether they are adversarial or complimentary to his government.
President Tinubu gave the assurance when he had audience with members of NPAN led by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, of Dailly Trust Newspapers Group on Monday, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Tinubu spoke on the challenges Nigerians face as they travel for the festivities, saying the Federal Government was taking measures to alleviate the high cost of transportation by granting waivers to operators in the air, road and rail transportation systems.He also said steps are being taken to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
”I care about what is going on in the country. I thank you for your support and opinions, even the criticism of our government. Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as president. “You have held our feet to the fire, and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not. One thing I must say is that I read every paper, various opinions, and columnists,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu said his administration will remain steadfast in “reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy,” citing bold decisions by his administration to end the petrol subsidy regime and initiate the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.
”I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people. The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, among others. We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in the country.
“Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles,” he said.
The minister commended NPAN for providing a platform for national discourse and diverse voices and implored the association to collaborate with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values, and addressing challenges confronting the nation.
NPAN President and Chairman of Media Trust, operators of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, congratulated President Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court affirmation,
He also raised pressing concerns facing the newspaper industry.
Yusuf said, “Our particular concern is the newspaper industry, which employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators, accountants.“Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news.”
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
